Career Services: Your Resource for Career Success

Legal Career Job Types

Although space does not allow for the discussion of all the types of employment options available, we provide a brief overview below.

Small Law Firms

Small law firms hire infrequently, and when they hire, they usually hire only one person at a time. There are many ways to connect with small law firms, including networking, clerking part-time, and doing project work. Sometimes small firms will post job listings for immediate openings with the Career Services Office. Networking is particularly effective in gaining employment with small firms as they frequently hire people they know and like.

Government Agencies

Government agencies, including district attorney's and solicitor's offices and state judges, generally hire in the spring. Working in the extern program for an organization that interests you can be a good way to access possibilities for permanent employment. Many government agencies post job listings with us, and we subscribe to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council newsletter, which lists positions for various prosecutors' offices. The Governor's Intern Program provides opportunities for law students to work in summer positions in state agencies and non-profit organizations; they usually interview on campus in early February.

Judicial Clerkships

Judicial clerkships are an excellent way to gain valuable post-graduate experience. Most judicial clerkships are two year appointments. Federal judges hire far in advance, interviewing students during the fall of the year approximately two years prior to graduation. State judges hire their clerks closer to the starting date of employment.

The Career Services Office (CSO) has a number of publications listing judges, their hiring criteria and plans, and general information about judicial clerkships. In addition, the CSO presents a program on judicial clerkships each year, usually in late October or early November.

Corporate Legal Departments

Corporate legal departments generally are small, sometimes consisting of only one or two attorneys, and usually hire only experienced attorneys. Because they do not have the resources to devote to training, and attorneys are frequently handling somewhat complex matters, corporations like to hire attorneys who have already gained experience in other settings, particularly in law firms. Networking and informational interviewing are particularly effective with corporate legal departments, because of the long-term rewards that they can provide. Some larger corporate legal departments may hire entry-level attorneys and even summer clerks; the CSO has a number of resources and services (like the target mailing service) to access these corporations.

Public Interest Organizations

Public interest organizations (including legal aid offices) frequently are in need of employees, but lack the funding for hiring. Volunteer work can be a particularly effective means of getting exposure to public interest organizations. Finding funding through grants and fellowships can also help you to land a position with a public interest employer. Usually, public interest employers look for candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to public service (shown through past volunteer activities and work experience). When they have funding for new hiring, they generally hire fairly close to the starting date of employment, although many employers may interview in advance of receiving funding in order to compete for the best students. The College of Law participates in a number of job fairs that provide excellent avenues to public sector employers.